Turkey: Court restores retirement rights as SGK debt deadlines approach

A Turkish court has ruled in favor of a citizen whose retirement rights were denied by the Social Security Institution (SGK) due to the cancellation of voluntary insurance premiums. The Bursa 13th Labor Court determined that working abroad does not automatically invalidate voluntary insurance premiums paid in Turkey under the Social Insurance Law No. 506. Following the ruling, the individual's total premium days were recalculated to 3,611, restoring their eligibility for old-age pension benefits.

Separately, social security policy updates highlight the importance of deadlines for premium debt borrowing. Individuals seeking to complete their premium days through military service, maternity, or overseas work debt borrowing must apply by December 31, 2026, to avoid costs tied to the 2027 minimum wage increases. Current calculations show that maternity debt borrowing for 24 months costs approximately 253,670 TL, while 18 months of military service debt borrowing is around 267,543 TL. Applications made before the year-end deadline allow citizens to lock in current rates, even if the actual payment is made after the official notification.